CHIJMES

Description

Essentials about the Chijmes in brief

The Chijmes (pronounced like “chimes” in English) is probably one of Singapore’s most unusual attractions. Founded in the mid-19th century as a convent, for decades the refuge of a girls’ school, the Chijmes is now a collection of bars, cafes, restaurants, clubs and stores. So if you want to eat, drink or shop against the unusual backdrop of a former convent, make your way to the Chijmes.

The history of the Chijmes

The name Chijmes is a combination of the abbreviations of the Catholic order Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus and the school name Middle Education School. Historically, the Chijmes goes back to the French priest Jean Marie Beurel, who worked in Singapore from 1839 to 1869. He recommended to the then British governor in 1849 that a convent for girls be founded next to St. Joseph’s Church, which had just been completed. But the governor, as well as his successor, rejected the project. Bleurel did not give up, however, and in 1852 purchased a house out of his own pocket on what is now the Chijmes site. At the same time, he approached the superiors of the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus order in France and requested that they send nuns to run the convent.

The first sending of five nuns in 1851 was a failure. Only two of the five clergy survived the arduous journey and remained in Singapore. Three years later, four more nuns from France reached Singapore and established their order there. Less than two weeks after their arrival, the first students moved into the convent. An orphanage was also opened on the convent grounds, which also served as a refuge for persecuted women.

The first chapel of the order was built around 1850, but was soon so dilapidated that a new building became necessary. Father Beurel took over additional land for this purpose, thus creating the external dimensions of the monastery in its present form. The construction of the new chapel in neo-Gothic style was begun in 1901 and completed in 1904. With its wall frescoes and Belgian stained glass windows, the chapel is one of the most ornate and beautiful architectural monuments in Singapore.

The convent school established itself as an important educational institution in Singapore in the late 19th century. A secondary school was established in 1905 and another school was moved to the monastery in 1949. The monastery and its schools operated until 1983, when the order relocated its activities. The monastery was subsequently closed and in the following five years was very lavishly restored and converted into an events and entertainment center.

The building complex of the Chijmes

Although the Chijmes today houses a number of gastronomic establishments, the former monastery complex with its paved paths, harmonious marble waterfalls, idyllic courtyards and small gardens is still an oasis of tranquility within the hustle and bustle of the Singapore metropolis.

In addition to the culinary offerings, one can also purchase arts and crafts at the Chijmes and visit an art gallery in the Caldwell House (the oldest house in the complex). The entire complex is also popular as a picturesque backdrop for musicals, plays, concerts and fashion shows. And the historic chapel is a popular venue for weddings.